Anne Frank Center USA, Inc
Inspiring every generation to build the compassionate world Anne Frank envisioned.
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
What we’re seeking to accomplish: - Reduce the incidents of discriminatory violence in the US - Teach children to appreciate the universal human experience - Reduce racism, religious bias, bullying, and discrimination - Show people of all ages how to recognize subtle bias - Inspire “upstanders” rather than “bystanders” Why the AFC exists: - There’s a continuing crisis of intolerance and discrimination - The history of the Holocaust must be taught and remembered - We have an obligation to prevent similar atrocity from occurring again - Recent escalations in white supremacy and hate crimes are alarming - Rising anti-Semitism and anti-immigration movements throughout Europe and US - Anne Frank’s diary and story are a source of inspiration - Her influence is universal, spans generations, cultures, and religions
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Educational Outreach
Central to our mission, we offer educational programs, traveling exhibits, theatrical performances, and annual scholarships to bring her message to new generations and honor those inspired to humanitarian action through her words. We also partner with community members and other organizations to promote education, combat intolerance, defend human rights, and remember those lost through senseless tragedy.
Traveling exhibitions
Throughout North America, Anne Frank exhibits have been hosted by community centers, schools and universities, arts organizations, libraries and museums. Complete program options includes docent-led tours for students, teachers and visitors, as well as student workshops, and meetings with Holocaust survivors, World War II veterans, or those with first-hand experience of human rights abuses. Artifacts from exhibits are largely provided by the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam.
In-school workshops and residencies
We offer a wide range of innovative programs and workshops held right in your school setting. Geared to various grade levels, our workshops integrate artistic, literary, historical, and/or performance-based components that teach the lessons of Anne Frank in a meaningful and relevant manner for your students. Our programs range from introductory workshops on Anne Frank and the Holocaust to in-depth examinations of discrimination and intolerance. By examining the progression of historical events that result in the tragedies of genocide, slavery, terrorism, and/or hate crimes, our programs encourage students to act as humanitarian leaders in a challenging world.
Sapling & garden project
AFC assists with memorial gardens and sapling plantings from the horse chestnut tree that stood behind the Secret Annex, at key historical sites tied to civil rights, human rights, and the Holocaust. Locations serve as cultural outreach centers serving as monuments connecting the past to the present, and offering educational programs within the community.
Educational performances
Our live performance programs are an excellent way to bring Anne’s story to life, uniting communities, facilitating dialogue about injustice, and sparking ideas to confront intolerance and discrimination today.
AFC performances have reached thousands through K-12 schools, colleges, religious institutions, community centers, and educational conferences. Our talented actors have also performed in communities hosting our traveling exhibits, such as the Clinton Presidential Center, the Dallas Holocaust Museum, and many other venues across the country.
50-State Holocaust and genocide education initiative
Currently only 10 states in the US mandate Holocaust and genocide education -- but that number is growing.
The AFC has worked with partners for more than a decade in advancing this project, which has recently gained momentum in the current national environment. Through a coalition of key partners including organizations and government leaders, we are working on strategies for expanding mandatory Holocaust and genocide education throughout the 40 states where it is not currently required.
Professional development - teacher training
Our educators are available to deliver engaging, informative, on-location training for your teaching staff,
fully customizable to your needs. We provide in-depth background information on the life of Anne Frank and
demonstrate ways of integrating the story of the Holocaust into your contemporary classroom
setting.
Spirit of Anne Frank Awards & Scholarships
Each year in celebration of Anne Frank's birthday, the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect hosts the Spirit of Anne Frank Awards to recognize worthy students, educators, citizens, peacemakers, and role models who uphold Anne's ideals of hope, justice, and equality. Scholarship and humanitarian award recipients are selected based on their extraordinary social and humanitarian efforts to engender understanding, equality, and mutual respect among diverse populations of people.
Where we work
External reviews

Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
GOALS:
- Reduce US incidents of discriminatory vandalism, rhetoric, and violence
- Teach children to appreciate the universal human experience
- Counter racism, religious bias, bullying, and discrimination
- Show people of all ages how to recognize subtle bias in themselves
- Inspire “upstanders” rather than “bystanders”
POPULATIONS SERVED:
- K-12 students (workshops and performances)
- High school students (docents, peer guides, young ambassadors)
- Teachers (resources, network)
- Community members
- Community leaders (as partners, standing up for diversity)
- Religious groups
- Public opinion
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
- Educational outreach in schools and community-based institutions
- Public campaigns and programs to foster compassion and raise awareness
- Expand network of dedicated individuals, groups, and institutions
- Celebrate examples of compassion, kindness, and embrace of diversity
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
- Anne Frank’s diary and story are a source of inspiration
- Her influence is universal, spans generations, cultures, and religions
- Established programs and network of organizational partners
- Public recognition of importance of Holocaust & genocide education
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
- Exhibits, performances, and workshops brought to almost every state in the US
- Decades-long relationships in NYC public schools
- Renewed support from government grants, private foundations, and individual donors
- 40-year longevity as nonprofit institution
- More than 100,000 followers on social media
- Continuing public support for Anne Frank's inspirational influence
IN PROGRESS:
- Implementing peer-to-peer guide training for youth leadership development
- Expanding Spirit of Anne Frank recognition awards to amplify the positive efforts of Americans
- Deepening connections in numerous communities as educational hubs
- Helping states expand/mandate Holocaust and genocide education
- Establishing Youth Council to lend fresh perspectives and efforts
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Anne Frank Center USA, Inc
Board of directorsas of 01/09/2022
Jonathan Cohen
Generated Materials Recovery
Term: 2021 - 2024
Charles Garner
M3 Partners
Anthony Polak
Aegis Capital
Sharon Douglas
Sybil Rosenberg
Pieter Kohnstam
George Fechter
Sally Levine
Georgia Commission on the Holocaust
Irene Gottlieb
Peter Rapaport
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? No -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? No -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? GuideStar partnered on this section with CHANGE Philanthropy and Equity in the Center.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
No data
No data
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data
Equity strategies
Last updated: 12/23/2021GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more
- We review compensation data across the organization (and by staff levels) to identify disparities by race.
- We ask team members to identify racial disparities in their programs and / or portfolios.
- We use a vetting process to identify vendors and partners that share our commitment to race equity.
- We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
- We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.
- We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.
- We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.